Recent outbreak of diphtheria in Pakistan; short communication

Abstract

Diphtheria, a vaccine-preventable bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheria usually starts with sore throat and fever and often results in breathing difficulties, heart rhythm problems, and rarely membranous pharyngitis. Although nursing these complications can help most people survive diphtheria, but it can be deadly in 5-10% of cases with higher death rates observed in children under 5 years of age or adults above 40. For the year 2022, 92 cases have been reported by seven European countries. Sixty-six of the reported cases presented with cutaneous diphtheria caused by Corynebacterium diphtheria while cases of respiratory diphtheria have also been reported, including one fatal case. The increase in diphtheria cases can be linked to an increased volume of migrants from diphtheria-endemic countries causing transmission of pathogens from countries of origin to recipient countries. Today the authors can treat diphtheria infections by using antibiotics and also prevent the disease with a vaccine. General population should be given awareness and educated in regard to disease prevention and appropriately implement administration of Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Pertussis Vaccines among people at risk for their own protection and urgently call for an action to eliminate the disease before its further spread as an outbreak.

Keywords: Diphtheria; Corynebacterium diphtheria; outbreak; Pakistan; Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Pertussis Vaccine.